Wakhu takes lead at Kenya Open qualifier

David Wakhu follows his chip from the 12th hole fairway during Jamii Telecom PGK Masters on March 8, 2016 at Muthaiga Golf Club. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Wakhu birdied the third and 10th but against two bogeys on the first and sixth holes which left him at level par 71 and a three rounds total of four over par 217, carrying a three shots lead into Thursday’s fourth and final round.
  • Vet Lab Sports Club’s Mathew Omondi, also on level par 71, moved to second place on 220.

Golf Park’s David Wakhu on Wednesday went up by three shots after the close of round three in the Kenya Open qualifying event at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club course, as his club-mate Tony Omuli dropped to joint third.

Wakhu birdied the third and 10th but against two bogeys on the first and sixth holes which left him at level par 71 and a three rounds total of four over par 217, carrying a three shots lead into Thursday’s fourth and final round.

“It's picking up well but I need to set my focus more positive. It's been very tough for me due to a painful elbow which I thank God that at least I am able to play this week," said Wakhu. He said the greens were tough though rolling a bit. “It is a good preparation for me because the first day I had my first hole in one at the fifth."

Meanwhile, Vet Lab Sports Club’s Mathew Omondi, also on level par 71, moved to second place on 220.

Omondi had two birdies and two bogeys with a number of birdie misses during the third round which saw two rounds leader Omuli hit a 77 to tie with Frank Matilo - who shot two over par 73 for a total of 221.

Also dropping was Vet Lab’s Nelson Simwa who came out with 80 for 225. A total of 29 professionals are participating in the first event of a five events series which will decide on the number of Kenyan professionals who will participate in the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open set for Muthaiga Golf Club from March 22-25.

Four players have already booked their slots in the Open. Those are Dismas Indiza, Simon Ngige, and Rizwan Charamia who made cut during last year’s Open, and South Africa-based Stefan Andersen - who has been given a wild card.

The leader board after three rounds:

217 David Wakhu 73, 73, 71

220 Mathew Omondi 76, 73, 71

221 Frank Matilo 73, 75, 73

221 Tony Omuli 69, 75, 77

222 Nicholas Rokoine 75, 70, 77

223 Erick Ooko 75, 76, 72

224 Kopan Timbe 78, 70, 76

225 Nelson Simwa 73, 72, 80

226 Njuguna Ngugi 76, 74, 76

226 Anil Shah 72, 76, 78